Why Hannah Pingree has my vote | Letter

Maine Rep. Bill Bridgeo Endorses Hannah Pingree for 2026 Governor’s Race

Augusta, Maine — Representative Bill Bridgeo, a longtime state legislator who has also overseen municipal operations in Calais and Augusta, released a letter to the editor on Tuesday calling for voters to back former House Speaker Hannah Pingree in the upcoming 2026 gubernatorial election.

In the letter, Bridgeo described himself as “in full support of Hannah Pingree for governor of Maine” and praised her “combination of principled leadership skills, compassion, creativity and energy.” He said those attributes, he believes, will enable the state to reach its full potential over the next four and, hopefully, eight years.

Bridgeo highlighted Pingree’s legislative record, noting her tenure as Speaker of the House and her work during Governor Janet Mills’ administration. He specifically singled out the Office of Policy Innovation and the Future—an agency Pingree helped establish and lead—which coordinates state‑wide initiatives and allocates resources to Maine’s roughly 500 municipalities and 16 counties. According to Bridgeo, that office filled a gap left when the previous administration eliminated the State Planning Office.

“She’s a native Mainer who’s done an admirable job of balancing the roles of spouse, mother, community leader and prominent public official,” Bridgeo wrote. “She’s warm, genuine and wicked smart.”

The Rep. urged readers to join him in voting for Pingree on November 3. “I hope folks will join me in voting for her on Nov. 3,” he added.

Bridgeo’s letter was published in the Press Herald’s political section, alongside a series of endorsements and commentary pieces covering Maine’s 2026 elections. The gubernatorial race is still early in its campaign season, but endorsements from sitting legislators such as Bridgeo may shape the conversation as the campaign unfolds.